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Awards Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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awards

[əˈwɔːrdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

recognition

A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.

Synonyms

honour, medal, prize, trophy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awards

Used as a general term for any recognition given for achievements, often in the arts, entertainment, and various professional fields.

  • The film won several awards at the international festival
  • The company gives out annual awards for outstanding service
prize

Given as a reward for winning a competition, contest, or lottery. Can be monetary, physical gifts, or a certificate.

  • She took home the first prize in the science fair
  • The grand prize for the raffle is a new car
trophy

Awarded for victory in sports competitions or other types of contests. It is usually a physical object like a cup or statue.

  • The team proudly displayed their championship trophy
  • Winning the tournament earned her a massive trophy
medal

Specifically awarded in sports, military, and academic contexts, often a physical object like a coin or disc. Sometimes used for bravery or exceptional performance.

  • He won a gold medal in the Olympics
  • The soldier was awarded a medal for bravery
honour

Used to describe recognition given for moral, academic, or exceptional achievements, often holding a significant social or cultural value.

  • She received an honour from the university for her groundbreaking research
  • It was a great honour to be asked to speak at the ceremony

Examples of usage

  • She received several awards for her outstanding performance in the competition.
  • The film won multiple awards at the film festival.
Context #2 | Verb

honoring achievement

To give a prize or other mark of recognition to someone in honor of an achievement.

Synonyms

honour, present, recognize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
awards

Given to recognize and honor achievements in various fields such as academics, entertainment, sports, etc. Usually involves a formal ceremony.

  • She won several awards for her outstanding research
  • The film received multiple awards at the international festival
recognize

Used to acknowledge or show appreciation for someone's efforts or achievements. Can be formal or informal.

  • The company recognized her hard work with a promotion
  • The team was happy to be recognized for their efforts
honour

Used to show great respect and admiration for someone, usually in a formal or official setting. It often refers to recognizing someone's deeds or achievements.

  • He was honoured for his lifetime contributions to science
  • The soldier received a medal of honour for his bravery
present

Used to give something to someone, often in a ceremonial or formal way. Can refer to both physical gifts and awards.

  • The mayor will present the award to the best student
  • At the end of the seminar, the certificates were presented to all participants

Examples of usage

  • The organization awards a scholarship to deserving students every year.
  • The committee awarded him for his contribution to the community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'award' comes from the Old French term 'guerdon', meaning reward or recompense.
  • In medieval times, awards were often given by kings and queens to recognize bravery or good service.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, awards like trophies and medals symbolize honor and recognition of hard work.
  • The Oscars are one of the most famous awards in the film industry, celebrating excellence in movies since 1929.

Psychology

  • Receiving an award can boost self-esteem and motivate others to achieve their own goals.
  • Research shows that recognition for accomplishments can increase happiness and job satisfaction.

Education

  • Schools often have award ceremonies to honor students for academic and extracurricular achievements.
  • Awards can help encourage students to participate more actively in their learning and school community.

Technology and Innovation

  • Awards in tech, like the Turing Award, recognize outstanding contributions to computer science.
  • Innovation awards are often given in tech conferences to encourage and highlight new advancements and ideas.

Origin of 'awards'

The word 'award' originated from the Old French word 'eswarder' which meant 'assign by decree'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. Initially, it was used in legal contexts to refer to a decision or judgment. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the act of giving recognition or honor for an achievement.

See also: award, awarded, awardees, awarding.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,947, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.